Modern Language and Business & Management
Combining Italian with business and management gives you two complementary sets of skills that are particularly valuable in an increasingly interconnected world. Italian is not just the language of one of Europe's largest economies but also a gateway to a rich cultural tradition in music, art, architecture, literature and design, as well as to the diverse Italian-speaking communities of Argentina, Brazil, Australia and beyond. Business and management provides the analytical and practical frameworks for understanding how organisations are run, how strategy is made, and how commercial decisions are taken in complex and competitive environments.
At the University of Manchester, this four-year full-time programme includes both a sandwich year and a work placement, giving you substantial experience in professional settings before you complete your studies. You will develop your Italian language skills to an advanced level through intensive tuition, study of Italian literature and culture, and engagement with the contemporary Italian-speaking world, while also working through core business subjects including strategy, marketing, organisational behaviour, finance and operations. The sandwich and placement components allow you to apply this combined knowledge in real organisational contexts, building professional skills and industry experience that complement your academic studies.
Graduates who combine strong language skills with business knowledge are well placed for careers in international trade, management consultancy, financial services, marketing, brand management, Italian and European cultural industries, diplomacy and international organisations. The combination is particularly valued by employers who operate in Italian-speaking markets or who need staff who can work across language and cultural boundaries. Postgraduate study in international business, European studies, Italian or management is also a natural next step for those who wish to develop a particular specialisation.